'Say Hey' on his way

Ernest C. Withers

Before his glory days in the major leagues, Willie Mays, in the upper left between two teammates, joins the rest of the Birmingham Black Barons in exulting over a 1948 victory against the Memphis Red Sox. The picture is included in photographer Ernest Withers' book "Negro League Baseball."

Before his glory days in the major leagues, Willie Mays, in the upper left between two teammates, joins the rest of the Birmingham Black Barons in exulting over a 1948 victory against the Memphis Red Sox. The picture is included in photographer Ernest Withers' book "Negro League Baseball."